Tag Archives: Vitzrey

Now we are into March it really does feel like Spring is just around the corner in the Charente Maritime.

Of course with Spring comes the promise of warmer weather and for me that means one thing… more opportunities to get out on my bike!

This year I am particularly looking forward to exploring more of the Gironde Estuary.

Dotted along the banks of the Gironde Estuary are countless wooden fishing huts which have been built on stilts. Their main implement is a square-shaped pulley-operated net (or “filet carré”) which has given the humble shacks their name: “carrelets”.

The carrelet is very much a symbol of the Gironde Estuary with around 400 to be seen. Storms which hit the region in 1996 and 1999, and again in 2010 led to virtually all Estuary-side carrelets being destroyed or seriously damaged. Owners refused to give in though and strived to restore or rebuild. It is estimated that around 80% of the carrelets have now been rebuilt.

While the word “carrelet” dates back to 1360 (originally spelt “quarlet”), the associated square net fishing technique developed in the area in the 18th century. As fishermen found they were getting their feet and trousers wet, so they conceived the first stilt-borne huts, soon combined with the winch system for their nets which they could thus lower into the Estuary at high tide… before quickly raising them laden with whichever fish happened to be swimming above the net at that time. (There is generally no need for bait although some fishermen do place bait in the middle of their net.) The now-familiar silhouette of carrelets with their walkways back to dry land appeared in the early 1900s

My favorite way to explore this part of the Charente Maritime coastline is the cycle route from Port Maubert (Near St. Fort sur Gironde) heading south through a nature reserve called Vitrezay. You can see the full route here.

There is a great restaurant in the port, kids playground and ferries to the other side of the estuary. And if you like wildlife and bird spotting this is a great ride.

Some of the wildlife you might see…

This cow thought the grass was greener on the other side – but gave me no trouble as I cycled past on the quiet road stretch of this route…

About half the route is road the other half track, next to the estuary…

As you can see it’s quiet and picturesque with lots of places to stop and enjoy the scenery…

Why not explore this route by bike… its a perfect bike ride for all abilities!